The best time to visit Rupin Pass trek is from early May to June end. It is the perfect time to indulge in the remnants of winter snow at higher campsites while the lower reaches welcome you with visual splendour.
Post-monsoon months of September to November are also suitable for hiking the Rupin trail. Do this trek from September to November to please your eyes and soul with a tapestry of autumn hues. Avoid monsoon and winter seasons owing to unfavourable trekking and weather conditions.
Here is a season guide on the best time to visit Rupin Pass trek, months to avoid, and other important factors to consider before embarking on the thrilling pass trek.
Rupin Pass Trek in Summer (May and June) – Best Time to Enjoy Dynamic landscapes
Summer season arrives in Rupin Pass in early May, marking the start of the trek post-winter months. By mid-May, winter snow recedes, opening the trail to higher campsites of this high-altitude pass trek. The summer season typically ends by the end of June, as the monsoon season arrives.
Rupin Pass in May
May is one of the best times for Rupin Pass as the trail is comfortable to tread your path to the summit while higher campsites allow you to indulge in snow fun even in summer. Trekkers experience the magic of snow at higher altitudes and witness the lush green amalgams of summer in May.
If you do Rupin Pass trek in summer, you will find snow from the Lower Waterfall campsite. However, there will be no fresh snow on the trek. Crossing a snow bridge on the Rupin Pass trek is a rare experience that thrills adventure seekers.
Rupin Pass in June
The snow begins to melt by June in the lower reaches while valleys and meadows adorn the lush green colour. The wildflowers in shades of yellow sprout from the valley, making it a sight to behold. While you navigate your way through, the fleeting clouds keep you company. The region experiences occasional showers in June, enhancing the greenery along the trail and the campsites.
From the lower waterfall campsite, the view of the U-shaped valley stuns you. The valley sits on a verdant grassland abloom with vibrant wildflowers. A famous three-stage Rupin Waterfall gushes down in the midst of a snow-patched cliff. Lower Water Fall Campsite on the Rupin Pass trek is one of those rare phenomena that compels you to gaze at it and immerse yourself in the magic nature weaves.
Rupin Pass in early June is all about green valleys and abundant snow. If you want to trek through snow-covered landscapes and lush valleys, consider visiting Rupin Pass during May and June.
Rupin Pass Trek in Monsoon (July To August) – Not recommended
Rupin Pass Trek remains inaccessible during the monsoon months. It rains incessantly, often causing landslides. The trail becomes slippery, and it is riskier to navigate the forests during the rainy season.
It is dangerous to attempt Rupin Pass Trek in July. The region is prone to landslides and roadblocks during the rainy season. In Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, where Rupin Pass is located, July is synonymous with heavy to extreme rainfall.
While treks in Himachal and Uttarakhand are inaccessible, trekking routes in Ladakh and Kashmir remain open. You can check out Kashmir and Ladakh treks if you plan to hike during monsoon season.
Rupin Pass in Autumn (September to November) – Perfect For Crisp Mountain Views
The autumn months are the best time to embark on Rupin Pass Trek, as the scenery along the trail transforms dramatically. Between September and October, you’ll witness a completely different world from what you’d see during summer.
If you’re seeking a snow-filled trekking experience, summer is the ideal time to visit Rupin Pass. However, autumn may be a better choice if you prefer a more peaceful environment with fewer visitors. During summer, the trail is frequently crowded with trekkers, making it difficult to find solitude along the trail or at the campsite. In contrast, fewer people trek during autumn months, which means you’re more likely to experience a tranquil and calm environment. However, If you trek in the autumn, you’ll miss out on the snow bridges of summer.
Rupin Pass in September
As the snow bridges thaw, the lush green landscape of the valley is gradually replaced by the vibrant hues of autumn. The meadows come alive with an abundance of wildflowers in full bloom. If you choose to trek in early September, you’ll be treated to the sight of waterfalls sprouting along the trail.
Rupin Pass flaunts clear blue sky, crisp mountain views and a quieter trail. The Lower Campsite offers a drastic change in its appearance. Golden moss takes over the snow-patched cliff of summer.
Rupin Pass in October
The clear visibility during the day offers crisp views of Himalayan peaks. Warm autumn hues greet the trekkers in October. The trail adorns pleasing tones of red, brown, and golden. Trees shed their leaves while the forest rustles with the crisp chill of the wind, creating a cosy atmosphere.
By October end, Rupin Pass receives its first spell of snow. Although the snowfall is mild, it is safer to avoid trekking after mid-October.
Rupin Pass in November
November in Buran Ghati offers a quieter trail, but it is not the best month for trekking due to heavy snowfall, which makes it difficult to cross the pass.
Rupin Pass in Winter (December to March) – Not Recommended Due to Heavy Snowfall
Rupin Pass is not accessible in winter months due to heavy snowfall at the higher campsites. It begins to snow as early as October. The trail remains covered in snow, making it difficult to navigate.
In November, when the snowfall intensifies, Rupin Pass becomes dangerous to trek. The water sources remain frozen, and the cold becomes unbearable. Avoid Rupin Pass during the winter season.
Rupin Pass Trek Highlights
Spread across the highlands of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the Rupin Pass trek starts from Jiskun. The trek spreads over seven days, including travel to and from the base camp. Rupin Pass is an arduous trek, and you will cover a total distance of approximately 37 km in 5 days.
The beauty of Rupin Pass trek is unmatched as it opens a vast spread of heavenly campsites. The majestic view of the three-stage waterfall takes you through an enigmatic hanging village of Jhaka.
You climb to an altitude of 15,250ft. Rupin Pass offers vibrant campsites and the adrenaline rush while traversing the Rupin Gully. On this Himalayan sojourn, the landscapes surprise you every day.
Rupin Pass is a perfect blend of high-altitude adventure complimented excellently by visually stunning landscapes.
